I’ve had my fair share of battles at the dinner table. They can be frustrating and stressful especially when your children refuse to eat ANYTHING and complain about EVERYTHING.
Below are my TOP 5 Tips for Picky Eaters!
- Don’t Push– I know it’s so hard to stay neutral when it comes to your child eating their meals, but the more calm and nonchalant you are about what your child eats, the better. Instead, try having discussions about healthy foods and how they support your bodies. Something along the lines of “I chose broccoli for dinner tonight because it’s really good for your heart and your tummy!” I try to educate on the connection between food and how it can improve or harm their health. If you aren’t sure why a certain food is healthy, google it with your kiddos and learn together at the dinner table!
- Let them decide!- Tired of putting food on the table only to hear complaints? Do yourself a favor and include your kids in the recipe picking, grocery getting, and meal prep/cooking. The more involved they are in the process, the more likely they will eat what’s in front of them. I love taking my kids into the produce section and have them choose a new fruit or vegetable they find interesting and want to try. We’ve bought all kinds of new and exciting foods such as dragon fruit and white sweet potatoes!
- Let them feed themselves– I had a hard time with this. I had no idea I was such a clean freak until I had kids. But as I relaxed about the messiness and let my kiddos take the lead on feeding themselves, things improved! I found that bowls and plates that suction to the highchair helped so they couldn’t chuck them across the room.
- Offer a variety of foods: If you want your children to have an expansive palate, then you have to expose them to lots of different colors, textures, and flavors! And remember, just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean your child won’t love it! I don’t like cherries or mangos but my kiddos LOVE them both!
- Make Mealtime FUN!– Turn on some fun music, dance while you cook, tell funny stories at the dinner table, relax, and have fun! Eat outside when you can, eat in a different room of the house every once in awhile, or set the table with a fun theme. Hawaiian happens to be my favorite! Mealtime shouldn’t be a drag so break out the coconut bra and up the fun!
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.